Safety drop cloth

ABSTRACT

A safety drop cloth is provided having a first face, and a reverse second face; the second face substantially contacts with a subordinate surface in use; and the first face includes a body and periphery. The cloth is arranged with demarcation to distinguish the periphery from the body by light transmission characteristics where in various light levels, the cloth acts to demarcate an area for safety purposes.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/245,263, filed Apr. 4, 2014, which claims benefit under 35U.S.C. 119(a) to UK Patent Application No. 1307288.9, filed Apr. 23,2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference as iffully set forth.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a safety drop cloth, more particularlybut not exclusively a drop cloth for providing a safe area.

BACKGROUND

Increasing levels of health and safety awareness in many fields has ledto many problems, in regulation, adherence and working conditions.Problems often stem from where heightened awareness and need forcompliance is contemporaneous with lack of resources.

In particular in many societies many sites have been constructed orimproved or otherwise date from earlier health and safety regimes,and/or are subsequently subjected to more rigorous conditions for usethan originally intended.

In consequence many sites often require on going maintenance andrestructuring, and such maintenance is often required in sites that havecontinuing usage, and wherein it is impractical or impossible to haltsuch usage for a period of time so as to accommodate maintenance orhealth and safety requirements prompted by such maintenance.

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in anattempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

Granted U.S. Pat. No. 8,176,685 (MAY) discloses a protective sheet andmethod for protecting an object is disclosed. The protective sheet ordrop cloth is made from a blend comprising ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)and polyethylene (PE), making it naturally liquid impervious and slipresistant. The protective sheet includes a top side having a raisedsurface design configured for retaining fluid, and a bottom side that issmoother than the top side for added slip resistance. The methodcomprises the steps of providing the protective sheet and positioning itover the object, wherein the top side faces away from the object, andthe bottom side faces the object and the top side is available for aworkman to walk on.

Granted United Kingdom patent GB 2 406 050 (HOLTBY) discloses a safetymat, comprising: a polygonal planar body having an upper liquidcollecting surface, a bottom surface, and several peripheral edges; aplurality of closely spaced truncated projections of uniform heightpositioned on the liquid collecting surface, the truncated projectionsforming a high traction travel surface that is raised above anyaccumulated liquids on the liquid collecting surface.

Granted European patent EP 1 131 806 (EVANS) discloses a signagearrangement comprising a length of flexible sheet material, the lengthof flexible sheet material: i) carrying a signage indicium; ii) beingcapable of being wound in a roll by manual force; and, iii) having anarrangement of a multiplicity of apertures through the sheet material.

SUMMARY

According to the present disclosure there is provided a safety dropcloth, wherein said cloth is arranged with: a first face, and a reversesecond face; wherein the second face substantially contacts with asubordinate surface in use; and the first face comprises a body andperiphery arranged with demarcation, comprising retro-reflectivematerial to distinguish said periphery from said body by lighttransmission characteristics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention will be better understood when read in conjunctionwith the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating theinvention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments that arepresently preferred. It is understood, however, that the invention isnot limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. Inthe drawings:

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the safetydrop cloth;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 fromone end;

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a second embodiment of the safety drop clothshowing its first face; and

FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Introduction to theEmbodiments

In preferred embodiments these superior light transmissioncharacteristics comprise retro-reflective, fluorescent, luminescent orphosphorescent demarcations that demarcate at least the periphery and insome embodiments sections of the body.

In this way the cloth provides a safety drop cloth for use in areas withthrough passage of persons requiring warning of a hazard, be it atemporary or semi-permanent hazard, said areas typically including suchas construction sites, occupied sites and during maintenance work ofexisting buildings in use, for example institutional or publicbuildings.

In preferred embodiments the body additionally comprises further partsof superior light transmission characteristics, or demarcation, forexample wherein the body includes a number of strips arranged in apattern drawing attention to the body's width and/or length, such ashatching across the body, wherein the body in general is contrasting inlight transmission characteristics, for example displaying lightabsorbent characteristics.

In preferred embodiments the drop cloth comprises woven fabric such ascotton canvas, allowing said cloth to be cleaned, washed, dried orotherwise subjectable to a plurality of conditions, and arranged such asto remain substantially undamaged.

In preferred embodiments the first face or cloth is provided with awater-resistant treatment or surface.

In some other embodiments said fabric comprises manmade fibres and/orincludes strengthening or reinforcement fibres woven or otherwisecomprised within or without the fabric.

In further embodiments the cloth comprises multiple plastic layers andincludes outer layers of spun bonded polypropylene film bonded to anintermediate film of either a polyethylene film or a polypropylene filmwherein said layers are thermally bonded to each other. Said spun bondedpolypropylene film absorbs and transmits liquids such as paint, woodstains, paint thinners, solvents and the like and said polyethylene filmand is impervious to such liquids so as to prevent transmission throughthe cloth of material absorbed by the outer layer.

In preferred embodiments said periphery or demarcation comprises stripsof luminescent or fluorescent material, colouring or tape. Said stripsmay be comprised of analogous material to the body, wherein the stripsmay be painted, coloured or otherwise impregnated with material havinglight transmissive characteristics.

Said strips may be heat or adhesive bonded to the body, or may in someembodiments be stitched on to the body.

In some further embodiments the demarcation may comprise light storageattributes, wherein the periphery and/or strips may store energyreceived during periods of light to visibly release in low light levels,so as to increase visibility of the cloth in low light and increasesafety even for poorly lit hazard areas, such attributes comprising awear-resistant phosphorescent periphery or demarcation that emits lightafter removal of ambient light in the area, so as to be visible in eventof a power failure or ambient lighting suspension.

The demarcation may also contain a bright contrasting pigment in otherregions of the body so as to be visually distinctive under normallighting conditions.

Advantageously in some further embodiments the periphery and/or bodycomprises high-visibility characteristics such as retro-reflectiveelements, or flecks. Said elements may comprise the strips, or may beincidental or additional to the strips and may comprise furtherdemarcation.

For example in some embodiments the elements may comprise edging to theperiphery, so as to allow reflection of light directed at the peripheryedging by approaching light sources to be reflective ideally in aplurality of directions, such as light from passing vehicles and/or soas to alert passers-by of the cloth.

In further embodiments the elements may comprise flecking in or on thebody, or stripping contiguous or analogous to the strips or demarcation.

Both faces may be provided with analogous demarcation, flecks, strips orelements; in order that either side may be used as required and to allowthe faces to become damaged, dirtied or worn without detriment tosafety.

In further, preferred, embodiments one of the faces is arrangedpermanently as the second face and provided with ground engagement meansor enhanced friction attributes, in order that the cloth is not liableto movement in relation to the subordinate surface under movementsengaging with the superior or first face.

For example the second face or cloth may comprise a slip resistantarticle such as an underpad or layered form comprising amoisture-absorbent layer and a water-impervious layer wherein thewater-impervious layer is arranged with a treatment to provide a highcoefficient of friction.

Said treatment may comprise a plurality of rubber, silicone or elastomerribs, parts or nubs, said parts outstanding from the second face so asto engage in multiple places with the subordinate surface.

In such embodiments the second surface may comprise small closely spacedraised nubs spread over a face in an arrangement so as to permitsoftness of the cloth and allow flexibility therein as well as improvegripping characteristic of the cloth on one face at least.

Said nubs are ideally dispersed across or embodied in raised and loweredparts across the second face in order to allow movement and flexibilityof the second face wherein lowered parts allow movement therebetween.

In preferred embodiments the body is in addition or the alternativeprovided with ribbing internally or on a face, wherein the ribbing isarranged to add shape and discourage ruching, bunching or displacement,or otherwise increase rigidity. Said ribbing may correspond to or beprovided by the demarcation or may be comprised by the first or secondface.

Said ribbing or nubs may be arranged in a single direction or arrangedin orthogonal broken or unbroken lines arranged so as to creategridding, and/or enable greater flexibility of structure.

In addition or the alternative said ribbing may be arranged so as toencourage stiff sides and allow oblique, transverse or arcuateflexibility, for example wherein the ribbing radiates outwards from atleast one point or is more or less prevalent towards the periphery.

In some embodiments the periphery is weighted wherein continuous orpartial flexible weights are secured along at least two opposed edges ofthe periphery for securing the cloth against movement of air below oragainst the cloth. Sand, shot or other particulate or fluid material maybe comprised in hems or tubes attached along the periphery within orsubordinate to the strips or demarcation.

Weighting may be accomplished at the cloth's corners by displaceable orintegrated weights, or corners and further may be secured by pins orpegs in use.

In this way the cloth may be encouraged to remain flat to the surface inuse, wherein internal ribbing and/or external nubs may be arranged tominimise flexibility parallel to or perpendicular to the periphery.

In this way or other ways as described above to include nubs the clothmay be minimally prone to causation of a trip hazard in use andsimultaneously better enabled to closely ride or cover uneven groundsubordinate, without moving, folding, or other dangerous displacementliable to lead to either tripping of a user or passer-by, or problematicconditions for the user during work activities, which conditions maymean that for example a ladder may be difficult to securely or stablysituate on the cloth.

In some embodiments the cloth may be made from insulated materials so asto aid in retaining warmth for improved working conditions and mayinclude facility to allow electric heating so as to heat the subordinatesurface, for example an as to enable curing of concrete.

In some further embodiments the cloth may comprise means to conjoin withor secure to other cloths and/or with further independent structures,for example including at least one tether, eyelet or lanyard attachmentpoint or in yet further embodiments hook and loop portions, for exampleVelcro®.

In some embodiments the cloth may include demarcation comprisingperiphery- or body-inset light emitting diodes, wherein a power sourceis integrated or subject to connection into the cloth.

In yet further embodiments there may be included pockets in the cloth,for example so as to allow storage and/or transport of smaller itemsaccording to the user's use of the cloth, and/or so as to store tethers,hooks or other securement means.

In still further embodiments the cloth comprises wording thereon, forexample to draw attention generally or specifically to warn caution offeatures of the cloth, subordinate surface or surrounding areas.

Said warning may be customisable at purchase or manufacture, and in someembodiments may comprise a writeable area on the body and/or periphery.

In some embodiments demarcation includes textured surfaces or otherwiseraised and lowered parts so as to provide light characteristics in aplurality of directions.

In some embodiments the body is formed of a base layer with a peripheryor demarcation rim defining a well, wherein a top layer is accommodatedin said well to define the first surface and/or body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the figures the cloth provides two faces, a firstdemarcated face 1, and its reverse a subordinate surface contactingsecond face 2. Said second face is provided with surface contact texturewherein the second face comprises raised and lowered parts, portions ortexture.

The periphery 4 comprises safety warning material, combiningretro-reflective and fluorescent materials. The body 3 is furtherdivided by further demarcation 5.

In the pictured embodiment all demarcation 4, 5 is provided by strips ofmaterial sewn onto the first face 1, wherein said strips enable greaterstiffness on the reverse or second face 2.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will beappreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentionedembodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised thatthe optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, toinclude variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and mannerof operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obviousto one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to thoseillustrated in the drawings and described in the specification areintended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

1. A safety drop cloth, wherein said cloth is arranged with: a firstface, and a reverse second face; wherein the second face substantiallycontacts with a subordinate surface in use; and the first face comprisesa body and periphery arranged with demarcation, comprisingretro-reflective material, to distinguish said periphery from said bodyby light transmission characteristics.
 2. The safety drop clothaccording to claim 1, wherein the demarcation extends across the body.3. The safety drop cloth according to claim 1, wherein the second facecomprises raised and lowered parts.
 4. The safety cloth according toclaim 1, further comprising external ribbing arranged to encouragetransverse flexibility.
 5. The safety cloth according to claim 1 furthercomprising internal ribbing arranged to encourage transverseflexibility.
 6. The safety cloth according to claim 1, furthercomprising light emitting diodes.
 7. The safety cloth according to claim1, further comprising pockets.
 8. The safety drop cloth according toclaim 2, wherein the second face comprises raised and lowered parts. 9.The safety cloth according to claim 2, further comprising externalribbing arranged to encourage transverse flexibility.
 10. The safetycloth according to claim 2, further comprising internal ribbing arrangedto encourage transverse flexibility.
 11. The safety cloth according toclaim 2, further comprising light emitting diodes.
 12. The safety clothaccording to claim 2, further comprising pockets.
 13. A safety dropcloth, wherein said cloth is arranged with: a first face, and a reversesecond face; wherein the second face substantially contacts with asubordinate surface in use; and the first face comprises a body andperiphery arranged with demarcation, comprising a fluorescent material,to distinguish said periphery from said body by light transmissioncharacteristics.
 14. The safety drop cloth according to claim 8, whereinthe demarcation extends across the body.
 15. The safety drop clothaccording to claim 8, wherein the second face comprises raised andlowered parts.
 16. The safety cloth according to claim 8, furthercomprising external ribbing arranged to encourage transverseflexibility.
 17. The safety cloth according to claim 8, furthercomprising internal ribbing arranged to encourage transverseflexibility.
 18. The safety cloth according to claim 8, furthercomprising light emitting diodes.
 19. The safety cloth according toclaim 8, further comprising pockets.